Litigation Comparative Guide - Guernsey (Legal 500)

This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of litigation laws and regulations applicable in Guernsey.

1. What are the main methods of resolving disputes in your jurisdiction?

Disputes in Guernsey are resolved primarily via adversarial court or tribunal proceedings, where those disputes cannot be settled by out of court settlements (either through open or without prejudice communications between the parties' advocates). Alternative dispute resolution is also used in Guernsey to resolve disputes. This can take the form of mediation, arbitration and expert determination.

2. What are the main procedural rules governing litigation in your jurisdiction?

Litigation in the Royal Court is governed by the Royal Court Civil Rules 2007 and various practice directions. Although the rules bear some resemblance to the Civil Procedure Rules in England and Wales, there are a number of distinct, Guernsey-specific provisions.